Measure Twice, Cut Once

As your circle of influence grows and responsibilities increase, you quickly realize the importance of choosing words wisely. When there is only one person asking your opinion about a trivial matter, getting it wrong doesn’t seem like that big a deal. But increase the severity of the choice or the amount of people listening, and the stakes are instantly raised.

Whether people pay for your opinion or not, it will be judged. The more people that judge, the more likely some will have a negative reaction no matter what you advise. You cannot do anything about those who are negative about good advice, but you must do all you can to be sure you gave good advice.

That means constantly checking your facts. Trying the product or service you are suggesting to be sure it’s valid. Triple check that endorsement, because once you speak it, there is no taking it back.